Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball

Description

Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball

Laura Ellen Anderson

(Egmont)

Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball opens a fang-tactic series for newer independent readers. Prince Tagine’s attendance at Amelia’s family’s annual Barbaric Ball means she will not be the only child. However, the titchy prince, son and heir to King Vladimir and new school arrival, behaves appallingly.  As the Prince’s school buddy, Amelia must tolerate his spoiled ways. The situation worsens when the Prince and his father, King Vladimir, are special guests at Fang Mansion, ahead of the ball. Tagine demands various precious items within Amelia’s home and eats a ‘whole platter of Curiously Crusty Crabs, Assorted Scabs and Severed Fingers on Sticks‘. Thereafter he demands to take Squashy, Amelia’s beloved pumpkin friend as his own.

Amelia and her friends, Florence Spudwick and Grimaldi Reaperton, are determined to rescue Squashy. Yet, in doing so, could they discover the reasons behind Tangine’s behaviour? Furthermore might this have something to do with his father’s absent behaviour and mother’s disappearance. There’s something glittery afoot!

While the series has (night) shades of Malice in Underlandand Harriet Whitehorn’s Violet books. Laura Ellen Anderson’s graphic skills offer something unique. There is crafty storytelling in her penmanship that elevate her witty text and nocturnal setting. This makes Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball a very satisfying, funny and curious opening title to a wonderful series.